They had been killed in cold blood by an Indian chief who had just arrived from a hunting expedition, and who, not having been present at the attack on the fort, now desired to satisfy his warlike instincts and his agreement with the policy of the Ojibwes by going into the lodge where the English officers and men were tied up, and slaughtering seven of them in cold blood.
Shortly afterwards two of the Ojibwes took the fattest amongst the dead men, cut off his head, and divided his body into five parts, one of which was put into each of five kettles hung over as many fires, which were kindled for this purpose at the door of the house in which the other prisoners were tied up.

They then sent to insist on the attendance at their cannibal feast of Wawatam, the adopted brother and protector of Henry.

The invitation was delivered after the Amerindian fashion.

A small cutting of cedar wood about four inches in length supplies the place of the written or printed invitation to dinner of European civilization, and the man who bore the slip of cedar wood gave particulars as to place and time by word of mouth.

Guests on these occasions were expected to bring their own dish and spoon.
In spite of repugnance, Wawatam, to save his life and that of Henry, was obliged to go.